DIRECTOR OF EMPLOYEE RELATIONS

Director of Employee Relations 

Purpose: Under the general direction of the Executive Director of Human Resources, this position is responsible for providing guidance and direction to district leadership and staff in the areas of employee relations, retirement, leave administration, performance management, salary administration, system/data management and district volunteer management.

Key Duties and Responsibilities: 

Employee Relations

• Independently investigates, manages and resolves employee relations concerns from the simple to the most complex. Works well with all parties for appropriate resolution.
• Collaborates with leaders in resolving concerns and often engages with staff and leadership during disciplinary processes.
• Build strong, professional relationships throughout the district by frequently being present in schools and engaging with other departments and staff in proactive, positive ways.
• Develops, interprets, implements, and enforces personnel policies and procedures related to all staff matters.
• Coaches district leaders on staff management and development.
• Travel within the district as needed to address staff concerns.
• Remains current in state and federal program guidelines, procedures, rules and laws.

Retirement & Leave Administration:

• Oversees the administration of leave benefits offered by RSS, including but not limited, to retirement, FMLA, leave of absence, and disability.
• Establishes, oversees and administers the district’s leave of absence program to best support the needs of staff, and the district, and in accordance with policy and practice.
• Considers how the complex nature of leaves of absences impact staffing needs.
• Communicates frequently with staff and leadership on all leave issues.
• Oversees and administers the retirement process through ORBIT for eligible employees.
• Coordinates district-wide retirement information sessions throughout the school year.
• Meets individually with potential retirees as needed to discuss their needs and options.
• Facilitates the short-term and long-term disability programs.
• Monitors leave processes for legal compliance.
• Provides employees with information on offerings available to them for counseling, benefits and other services.
• Stays up to date on ever-changing state benefits and leave programs.

Performance Management (Classified):

• Oversees the annual performance evaluation process for classified staff including timeline, communication, and data tracking/analysis.
• Schedules and coordinates professional development opportunities for classified staff several times throughout the year.

Salary Administration and Staffing

• Coordinates and participates in the development, implementation, and maintenance of the compensation/classification plan for the district.
• Ensures compensation plans are compliant with NCDPI and the Salary and Benefits Manual.
• Monitors and researches compensation and benefit trends to review competitiveness with surrounding districts and other competition for talent.
• Conducts internal and external equity reviews for positions as requested.
• Advises HR leadership on upcoming changes to state compensation plans and communication of changes.
• Advises on staffing needs and budgetary considerations.
• Participates in the annual school position allotment process as needed and helps to navigate through position calibration.
• Partners with Staffing Specialists to ensure that Lineups are kept current.

System & Data Management

• Manages processes related to Human Resources records management, data collection and data disaggregation.
• Supports the maintenance of integrated/modern/optimized HR systems.

Miscellaneous:

• Leads, coaches and develops the Employee Relations & Benefits Specialist.
• Oversees the district’s volunteer program.
• Coordinates unemployment insurance benefits for the district.
• Coordinates and may conduct training to enhance skills of staff at all levels.
• Participates in local professional associations, conferences and professional development opportunities for improved job performance.
• Works on special projects as requested.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

 Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree from four-year college or university; K-12 education experience strongly preferred ; 3 years of successful work experience in human resources a plus; or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Effective at leading and developing others
• Possesses a solid understanding of HR policies, practices, and procedures.
• Demonstrated experience in conducting and resolving employee issues and investigations.
• Ability to excel individually and as part of a team.
• Exhibits strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong initiative and ability to anticipate issues proactively.
• Ability to succeed in a fast-paced environment.
• Proven track record of reliability and responsibility.
• Detail oriented with strong organizational and administrative skills.
• Discreet, able to handle confidential and proprietary information appropriately.

Term of Employment: 12-month Employment 

Proposed Salary: Director II Pay Scale